Hyster-Yale Plans Expansion of American Manufacturing for Forklifts and Container Handling Equipment
Key Ideas
- Hyster-Yale commits to meeting Build America, Buy America Act requirements by expanding domestic manufacturing for key products.
- The company plans to produce high-capacity forklift models and container handling equipment, including hydrogen fuel cell-powered machines, for federally funded infrastructure projects.
- Efforts are underway to identify optimal production locations within the US, leveraging American manufacturing footprint in line with evolving customer needs.
- Hyster-Yale aims to deliver industry-leading standards in design, durability, and performance, emphasizing a commitment to supporting customers and stakeholders.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. has announced its commitment to meeting Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements by expanding its American manufacturing operations. The company, renowned for its Hyster and Yale brand liftrucks, plans to fulfill domestic manufacturing requirements for high-capacity forklift models and container handling equipment, including those powered by hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This expansion aims to cater to federally funded infrastructure projects subject to BABA Act regulations, such as roads, bridges, ports, and public transit systems.
While Hyster currently operates four plants in the US, the company is exploring options to identify the optimal production locations for these high-capacity models. The shift towards US-made products aligns with a growing customer demand for BABA-compliant material handling solutions. Tony Salgado, the Chief Operating Officer at Hyster-Yale, emphasized the company's dedication to delivering industry-leading standards in design, durability, and performance.
However, meeting the BABA Act requirement that 55% of the total component value must be of US origin poses a challenge for battery electric equipment. Hyster-Yale intends to strategically expand its sourcing agreements to meet this requirement. Additionally, Nuvera fuel cells for hydrogen-powered machines are already manufactured in the US. The company's focus on sustainability, compliance, and business strategy underscores its positive sentiment towards enhancing American manufacturing capabilities.